Market in Yokohama

Through Dec. 25, one of the landmarks of Yokohama area, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, is holding a special Christmas market at its outdoor event plaza.

The warehouse is a historical building currently used as a complex that includes a shopping mall, a banquet hall, and event venues. At its cobbled plaza, it is now holding a Christmas market featuring 15 German-style Hutte (huts) offering Christmas goodies such as ornaments, nutcrackers, hot wine, German sausages and stollen cakes.

People can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with a splendid view of the Yokohama waterfront, and there are many other sightseeing spots in the area, including Yamashita Park, Minato Mirai 21 and Chinatown, so visitors can spend the entire day there.

The market is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Dec. 22 to Dec. 24 it will stay open until 11 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., lighting at the market will be turned on, and the Christmas tree at the center will be lit up until midnight. It will be open even in bad weather.

Also, in celebration of the warehouse’s 10th anniversary, special fireworks will be launched at 7 p.m. along with music played in the market every Friday. On Dec. 31, starting at 11:59 p.m., countdown fireworks displaying a message of appreciation for the past 10 years will be launched.

Christmas cup soup

In celebration of the holiday season, Acecook Co., a maker of instant noodles, has released a special cup soup called “Magical cup: enjoy Christmas Potato potage”, in a limited amount.

The cup is crafted to be swollen after putting hot water in it, which will make the illustration of Santa Claus look like he’s smiling. This is the first design in the industry to try to let customers enjoy not only the flavor but also the process of making the soup.

The chicken-based potato potage, whose creamy taste can warm up your body, will be enjoyable among all generations. With black pepper as an accent to the soup’s flavor, the taste will keep entertaining your tongue until the last drop.

The instant soup is now on sale and costs ¥150 excluding tax. It is available at convenience stores and supermarkets.